Learn about Resistance Training for Runners and Graduate Program

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Distance runners or those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Exercise Science have an opportunity to attend a symposium hosted by the School of Education, Health and Human Performance at Fairmont State University designed just for them.

Dr. Michael Ryan, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, will present “Resistance Training for the Endurance Athlete – A Practical Approach for Distance Runners” from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Room 320 of the Education Building. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Michael Ryan at (304) 367-4287 or mryan3@fairmontstate.edu.

“This talk will benefit anyone who is interested in running faster and staying injury free. I will debunk many popular myths that distance runners have about the weight room,” Ryan said.

Ryan will present practical advice and samples of different training programs for runners of all levels and developmental ages. Although emphasis will be placed on the competitive athlete, he also will give advice for recreational runners.

Evidence suggests that distance runners can benefit from supplemental resistance training. Some of those benefits include improved muscular strength and power, increased muscular endurance in non-running muscles, balanced opposing muscle groups, reduced injuries and improved running performance. This talk is designed to review the scientific evidence and help the coach design a practical resistance training plan for distance runners.

Ryan holds his M.Ed. from Auburn University and Ph.D. from West Virginia University Medical School. He is a former WVU cross country/track athlete and also has worked on the cross country/track and field coaching staffs at Auburn University, WVU and George Mason University. He is currently the Head Boys and Girls Cross Country/Assistant Track and Field Coach at Morgantown High School.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Exercise Science, Fitness and Wellness at FSU is a good fit for current and future teachers and coaches interested in increasing their knowledge of health and fitness and wellness; athletic trainers; physical therapy students; and other professionals choosing a new career path. The program will prepare graduates for work in cardiac rehabilitation centers, athletics programs, fitness centers, workplace/community wellness, physical therapy school and strength and conditioning.

“The depth of experience of the faculty and their diverse backgrounds make this program unique,” Ryan said. “We are an applied program where we teach students to apply scientific principles and critical thinking into a variety of different real-world settings.”

For more information about the program including admission criteria, click here.